U.S. patent number 3,868,157 [Application Number 05/331,909] was granted by the patent office on 1975-02-25 for rotary filing cabinet.
Invention is credited to Gerard A. Robinson.
United States Patent |
3,868,157 |
Robinson |
February 25, 1975 |
Rotary filing cabinet
Abstract
A filing cabinet operable from either of two sides and having in
it a rotor carrying a shelf or platform structure rotatable about a
vertical axis. The rotor is movable to present or expose platform
or shelf space to either of two open sides. The rotor structure has
two opposing flat sides and it can be rotated into a position that
closes the open sides of the cabinet.
Inventors: |
Robinson; Gerard A. (San Pedro,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
26881795 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/331,909 |
Filed: |
February 12, 1973 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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186124 |
Oct 4, 1971 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
312/305; 312/125;
312/286; 312/249.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B
49/004 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47B
49/00 (20060101); A47b 046/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;312/252,305,125,135,197,202,123,11,59,286,97.1,267 ;297/240,349
;108/139,142 ;248/418 ;211/131 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1,265,981 |
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May 1961 |
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FR |
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553,672 |
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Mar 1958 |
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CA |
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71,331 |
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Jun 1942 |
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CS |
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597,352 |
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Jan 1948 |
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GB |
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752,058 |
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Mar 1933 |
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FR |
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Primary Examiner: McCall; James T.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Herzig & Walsh
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
186,124 filed on Oct. 4, 1971, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A file apparatus comprising: a cabinet, said cabinet being
rectilinear; rectangular support platform shelf means mounted in
said cabinet whereby to be rotatable about a vertical axis, said
cabinet having two sides opposite each other which are open and
said rotary support shelf means being rotatable to positions
whereby to provide access thereto through either of said open sides
of the cabinet, said shelf means having flat sides and being of
such size relative to the cabinet that the flat sides are
positionable to be flush with and to close said open sides, and
said shelf means having two opposite open sides providing access
thereto, which are positionable to be flush with the open sides of
the cabinet.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said platform shelf support
means is in the form of a single, rotatable unit having a height
which is substantially the height of the cabinet, said platform
shelf support means providing a plurality of spaced shelves.
3. Apparatus as in claim 2, said cabinet being elongated and having
a plurality of support plaform shelf means in it, there being a
space provided between adjacent support platform shelf means, the
corners of a support platform shelf means moving into said space
when a platform shelf means is rotated.
4. Apparatus as in claim 1, including manually actuatable latch
means operable to engage with said platform shelf support means to
restrain movement thereof to predetermined positions.
5. Apparatus as in claim 4, including a latch member engageable
with the platform shelf support means, said latch member embodying
resiliency whereby to resiliently apply stopping resistance to the
platform shelf support means whereby to stop movement of said means
and restrain it to a predetermined stopping position.
6. A file apparatus comprising: a cabinet, said cabinet being
rectilinear, support platform shelf means mounted in said cabinet
whereby to be rotatable about a vertical axis, said cabinet having
two sides opposite each other which are open, and said rotary
support shelf means being rotatable to positions whereby to provide
access thereto through either of said open sides of the cabinet,
support means for rotatably supporting the support platform shelf
means, the support means forming circular support track means to
rotatably support the platform shelf means on the track, the track
means having such diameter that the platform shelf means has parts
positioned relatively close to sides, of the cabinet, said cabinet
having a top and means providing rotatable engagement between the
top and the platform shelf means whereby the cabinet is stabilized
by way of the platform shelf means supported on the circular
support track.
7. Apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the support track comprises
means forming a circular ball race with balls therein.
8. A file apparatus comprising a cabinet having a rotor including
support platform shelf means, latch means for the rotor comprising
a foot operated member and a latch member, said latch member being
resiliently mounted mechanism comprising spring means positioned to
be actuatable by movement of the latch member in one direction to
compress the spring means and by movement of the latch member in
the opposite direction, to compress the spring means.
9. Apparatus as in claim 8, including a first member engageable by
the latch member on movement in one direction and said member being
attached to one end of the spring means, a second member engageable
by the latch member when movable in the opposite direction and
engageable with the opposite end of the spring means and means
providing for limited movement of said first and second members
whereby when either end of the spring is being compressed, the
other end is restrained.
10. Apparatus as in claim 9 wherein said members attached to the
spring means comprise overlying plates holding means for the plates
allowing limited movements of the plates, and means for allowing
limited movement of the latch member.
11. Apparatus as in claim 8, wherein the spring means is carried on
the foot operated member.
12. A file apparatus comprising: a cabinet having a rotor including
support platform shelf means, latch means for the rotor comprising
a foot operated member and a latch member, said latch member being
engageable with the rotor, resiliently mounted mechanism comprising
spring means positioned to be actuatable by movement of the latch
member in one direction to compress the spring means and by
movement of the latch member in the opposite direction, to compress
the spring means, a first member engageable by the latch member on
movement in one direction, and said member being attached to one
end of the spring means, a second member engageable by the latch
member when moveable in the opposite direction and engageable with
the opposite end of the spring means, and means providing for
limited movement of said first and second members whereby when
either end of the spring is being compressed, the other end is
restrained, said members attached to the spring means comprising
overlying plates, holding means for the plates allowing limited
movements of the plates, means for allowing limited movement of the
latch member, and a third overlying plate carrying the latch
member, all of said plates being arcuate whereby the latch member
can move angularly to engage either of the first and second members
whereby to compress the spring at one end while the other end is
restrained.
Description
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a rotary filing cabinet. In a preferred form, it
is constructed in modules which can be joined together. Each module
comprises a cabinet having within it a platform or shelf structure
in the form of a rotor rotatable about a vertical axis in the
cabinet. The cabinet is preferably rectilinear having two opposite
open sides. Preferably, the rotor structure has a plurality of
supporting shelves or platforms for files and two such arrays are
provided in the rotor structure so that by turning the rotor,
either array can quickly be exposed to either open side of the
cabinet. In other words, there is a double bank or array of filing
space, either bank of which is readily exposable to either of the
open sides of the cabinet.
In the preferred exemplary form of the invention, the shelf or
platform support structure, that is the rotor, is square, and it
has two smooth flat sides so that the rotor can be turned to a
position in which these two flat sides form closures for the open
sides of the cabinet. The result is a smooth, neat, compact
appearance when the cabinet is closed.
In the light of the foregoing, the objects of the invention will be
apparent. The primary object is to make available a double-bank
file structure in the form of a cabinet as described, comprising a
rectilinear module having a shelf or platform structure in it in
the form of a rotor having back-to-back shelf spaces, either of
which can be quickly turned to be exposed to either open side of
the cabinet.
A further object is to provide a cabinet of this type having the
purpose of saving space, particularly aisle space.
A further object is to provide a cabinet providing for quick and
easy access to double banks or arrays of shelf filing space.
A further object resides in achieving a constructional arrangement
or design such that either of the double arrays can be directly
exposed by way of a 90.degree. rotation of the rotor and further
that by the same type of rotation, side panels on the rotor
structure can be positioned as closures for open sides of the
cabinet structure.
A further object resides in the provision of means for latching or
restraining the rotor structure in position; for rotating it; and
then snubbing or restraining the rotation and stopping and holding
the rotor in predetermined positions.
A further object is to provide an improved, simplified latching
means comprising a floating assembly of latching member, arcuate
sliding plates, and a single restraining spring that retards the
arcuate motion of the rotor in either direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects and additional advantages of the invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed
drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred from of the invention
shown as a cabinet formed of three modules;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of one of the mounting arbors or trunions
of the rotor structure;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a detail sectional view showing one of the adjustable
leveling feet for the cabinet structure;
FIG. 8 is a plan view partly broken away of the base section of a
cabinet illustrating a preferred and modified form of latching
mechanism;
FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a view taken along the line 10--10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a detail view taken along the line 11--11 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is an arcuate sectional view taken along the line 12--12 of
FIG. 8;
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of plate members
constituting part of the latching mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings, particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1
shows a cabinet structure comprising three cabinet modules 10, 10a,
and 10b which are aligned and joined together. They may be held
together in a unitary structure by any suitable or convenient
means. Cabinet 10 as shown is rectilinear in configuration; and in
the preferred form of the invention, it is square in cross section.
It may be formed of sheet metal, for example or any suitable
material. It has a flat top 12. The module 10 has a rectangular
base structure 14 as may be seen in FIG. 1 and as will be referred
to more in detail presently.
Numeral 6 designates an end panel or structure having side flange
parts 18 and 20 which are flush with the front and back faces of
the module. The panel 16 rests on the base structure 14. On its top
is top end panel 22 which is flush against the top panel 12.
Mounted within the module is the rotor which is the shelf or
platform support structure. The rotor is designated generally at
30. In the form of the invention shown, it is square and rotates
about a vertical axis, as designated at 31. It has two, flat side
closures 32 and 34. Extending between these closures is a center or
intermediate partition 36, as may be seen in FIG. 2. On both sides
of the partition and extending between the side walls 32 and 34 are
a plurality of supporting shelves or platforms such as designated
at 40 in FIG. 1.
Between the modules 10 and 10a upstanding from the base structure
are upright panels, as designated at 42 and 44. As may be observed,
when the rotors within the cabinets are rotated, their corners can
move into the space in the cabinet between modules and into the end
space provided by the end panel 16. Mounted on the flanges 18 and
20 of the end panel 16 are flexible sealing or closure members
which may be made of fabric as indicated at 50 and 52. Similar
closure or sealing members 54 and 56 are provided mounted on the
end members 42 and 44. Additionally mounted on these members are
similar flexible elements or members 60 and 62 associated with the
next mofule 10a.
Numeral 64 designates a foot pedal, the purpose of which will be
described presently. It operates a latch to release the rotor 30
for rotation and for snubbing it, and stopping and latching it in
the predetermined quadrant position to which it is rotated.
Referring to FIG. 3, it will be noted that the top of the cabinet,
that is, module 10 is double walled, the inner of the double walls
being designated at 12'. Numeral 68 designates a bushing, in the
form of a bearing which is supported at the center of the top of
the rotor 30. It has a bore 70 which receives an axle or arbor 72
having a head 74 received in a recess 76 of the top wall 12. The
axle or arbor is received in the bore 70 in the bushing 68 and
forms a top trunion about which the rotor 30 can rotoate. There is
a central pivot axle at the bottom of rotor 30 which will be
referred to again presently.
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7--7 of FIG. 4
showing one of the adjustable supporting feet which are provided at
corners of each module. At the corner of the base 14, there is a
partition or support member 82 spaced from the bottom having an
edge support flange 84 as shown. Numeral 86 designates a metal
fitting shaped to receive a nut 90 through which extends a threaded
stem 92 having a head 94. The housing 86 has a neck part 96 which
extends through an aperture or hole in the partition 82, at the enc
of which there is a flange 100 flush against the platform 82. The
stem 92 has an end part 102 of smaller diameter. Fitting on this
part, is metal foot member or support 104 which is held on by
flange 106 on the part 102 of smaller diameter. As may readily be
seen, access may be had to the head 94 of the threaded stem,
through opening 110 in the top wall of the base section. The stem
may be rotated so to adjust the vertical supporting position of the
foot member 104.
FIGs. 4, 5, and 6 are enlarged views which show the structure at
the bottom part of the module 10 and of the rotor 30. The bottom of
the rotor 30 is designated at 120 of FIG. 5. It has side flanges as
shown at 122 and 124. Numeral 126 designates a plate having side
flanges as shown at 130 and 132 and further edge flanges as shown
at 134 and 126. Plate 126 is spaced as shown from plate 122,
flanges 134 and 136 seating against the plate 120 and the inside of
flanges 122 and 124. Plate 126 has a circular ring-shaped
depression 140 formed in it as shown which forms a part of a ball
race for balls 142. The top of the bottom frame or base section 14
is designated at 144. It has a similar circular ring-shaped
depression 146 in it which is opposite to and complementary to the
depression 140 so that the two together form a ball race which is
circular in cross section for a plurality of balls 142.
The bottom plate 120 of the rotor 130 has a central depression 150
in it. Numeral 152 designates a pivot bolt having a head 154 which
extends through an aperture in depression 150 and through a similar
aperture in plate 126. It is threaded through a nut 158 which is
welded to the plate 144 as shown. Between the depression 150 and
the plate 126 is a bushing 160. As may be seen, bolt 152 serves to
center the rotor 130 and hold it in position with respect to base
section 140. The entire rotor rests on the balls 142 in their race
as described and is rotatable about the center formed by the bolt
152 which is aligned with trunnion member 72.
A latch mechanism is provided within the base section 14 of module
10 for latching the rotor in predetermined positions, for snubbing
it, that is, restraining or retarding it after it has been rotated
so as to control its momentum and stop it at a predetermined
position. The retarding and latching mechanism is operable by the
foot pedals 64 and 64', one of which is on each side of the cabinet
as shown. Numeral 170 designates a tubular latching lever on the
end of which is the foot pedal 64 which moves in a slot 172 in the
front of the base section 14 as shown. This lever has a flat end
part 174 which is pivotally secured between brackets 176 and 178 as
may be seen in FIG. 4. The lever 170 is movable angularly about its
pivot point. Telescopingly fitted on the lever arm 170 is sleeve
180 having end discs 182 and 184. Between the disc 182 and another
disc or washer 186 on the lever 170 is coil spring 188. Washer 186
is held by cotter pin 190. Between the end disc 184 and bracket
member 192 through which the lever arm 170 extends is another coil
spring 194, the two coil springs serving to position the sleeve
180. Extending normally to the sleeve and carried by it is a pin or
stem 200 which extends through a slot opening 202 in the plate 144
and the slot opening 204 in the bottom plate 120 of the rotor 130.
Numeral 208 designated a second, similar lever arm, at the end of
which is foot pedal 64'. This lever arm is below the lever arm 170
as shown. It has a similar, flat end part 210 pivotally mounted
between brackets 212 and 214. It is angularly movable about its
pivot point. Lever arm 208 passes through an aperture in the
bracket 192. This bracket serves to link or couple the two lever
arms together for purposes as will be explained.
Numeral 220 designates a saddle fitting against the underside of
lever arm 170. Extending downwardly from edge parts of the saddle
are guide stems, one of which is shown at 222 which serve as
retainers for a pair of coil springs 224 and 226, the lower ends of
which are based against the bottom of the base section 14. These
springs serve to bias the levers 170 and 208 into position as shown
in FIG. 5 wherein the pin or stem 200 is engaged in the slot 204 in
the bottom plate 126 of the rotor 30. Pin or stem 200 serves as a
latch pin which holds the rotor 30 in any one of its four quadrant
positions, there being four equally angularly spaced openings like
opening 204 establishing the four quadrant positions. In order to
release the rotor for rotation, either one of the foot pedals 64 or
64' can be actuated with the foot. Thus, either the lever 170 or
the lever 208 can be actuated around its pivot. If the lever 208 is
actuated, it actuates the lever 170 through the coupling member
192. This draws the pin or stem 200 downwardly out of the opening
in the plate 126 which permits the rotor to be rotated angularly on
the ball race as described to one of its other positions. When the
actuating lever is released, pin 200 will again move upwardly,
engaging in the next opening in plate 126 to latch and hold the
rotor as illustrated in FIG. 6. Since the rotor may have
considerable momentum when pin engages in the opening, the pin and
sleeve 180 will be moved axially along the tubular lever 170 as may
be seen in FIG. 6 compressing one or the other of the coil springs
188 and 194. One of these springs serves to snub, that is, to
restrain, or retard the movement of the rotor to hold it, and when
it is stopped, to position it in its correct latched position. The
rotor can be rotated in either direction.
The rotor of each of the modules can be similarly actuated by being
rotated about its vertical axis for control of its respective foot
pedals.
From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will understand the
construction of the invention and its utilization. As may be seen
in FIG. 1, module 10 is open, exposing filing shelves on two sides
of the cabinet. Module 10b is shown rotated through ninety degrees
so that two, flat smooth sides of its rotor form closures for that
module. The rotor of module 10a is shown in an intermediate rotated
position. The structure provides double banked files which when
open expose an array of support shelving on two sides. In each
rotated position when shelving is exposed, the entire array is
exposed in that position for open shelf visibility. Access is
provided from both sides. Modules can be constructed to snap
together or to be joined otherwise.
As described, the rotation, that is, the movement of the rotors is
pedal controlled from either side of the cabinet. There are pedals
for each module.
Referring to FIGS. 8 through 13, base section 14 of the cabinet is
like that of the previous embodiment. It has a top surface 144 and
the ball race formed between this plate and a plate 126 for balls
146 so that the rotor is supported as in the previous embodiment.
Pivot bolt 152 is at the center of plates 126 and 144 as in the
previous embodiment.
The latching or snubbing or retaining means in the present
embodiment comprises latching member or latching dog 220 in the
form of a bell crank lever having an extending nose 221 that can be
extended through the arcuate slot 222 in plate 144 and slot 145 in
plate 126 for restraining the rotor. The latch member 220 is
pivotally carried by a pivot member 224 extending between support
members 225 and 226, that on an arcuate plate 228 having two
arcuate slots in it 229 and 230. Plate 228 will be referred to
again presently.
The latch member 220 is operable by a foot pedal 232 attached to an
operating lever to 233 that is pivoted on a pivot member 236
extending between angle brackets 237 and 238, on the inside of the
front wall, of the base 14. The lever 233 is linked to a lever
plate 240 by a rod link 241 and the end of which as shown at 242
extends through a hole in lever 233. Its other end, 244, extends
through a hole in lever plate 240. Numeral 246 designates a bracket
which is welded to a shelf surface 247 in the base 14 and which has
an extending part 248 to which the lever plate 240 is pivoted by
pivot member 252. The lever plate 240 is linked to the latch member
220 by way of a connecting link rod 254. Numeral 256 designates a
coil spring attached to a corner of the lever plate 240 and secured
at the other end to a lug 258 on the bracket 246. As may be readily
seen, by stepping on the foot pedal 232 the links and levers are
actuated so as to rotate the latch member 220 about its pivot 224
as will be referred to again presently.
The latching mechanism, in addition to the plate 228, comprises
additional plates 262 and 264 which are in a position sandwiched
together as may be seen in FIGS. 9 and 12. These plates are of
similar arcuate shape. Plate 262 has arcuate slots 265 and 266 and
it has the rectangular cut-out 267 with downwardly extending lug
268. Plate 262 also has the arcuate opening 270 in it.
Plate 264 has arcuate slots 271 and 272 and cut-out 273 from one
edge of which is the downwardly extending lug member 274. It has
arcuate opening 275.
The plates 228, 262, and 264 are held in superimposed or sandwiched
relationship underneath the plate 144 as may be seen in FIGS. 8, 9
and 12. The numerals 280 and 281 designate a pair of pins headed at
both ends and with a neck smaller in diameter adjacent to the head
at each end. These pins having an intermediate body part of
slightly larger diameter as designated at 282 and at 283. These
pins extend through the plate 144 as may be seen in FIG. 12, pin
280 extending rhough the slots 271, 265 and 229 in the plates 264
and 262 and 228. The lug 274 on the plate 264 and the lug 268 come
into position oppositely to each other as may be seen in FIGS. 11
and 12 and extending between these two plates through openings
therein is a rod or stem 290 and surrounding the stem between the
lugs 274 and 268 is coil spring 291. The spring is compressed when
the lugs 274 and 268 are moved toward one another.
The relationship of the latch member 220 to the plates shown in the
FIG. 13 to the surface 144 of the base 14 and plate 126 is shown in
FIGS. 9 and 12. This assembly of plates shown in FIG. 13 is a
floating assembly. The plate 228 carrying the latch member 220 can
move arcuately, the slots 229 and 230 guiding movement by
engagement with pins 280 and 281. In the position of the parts as
shown in FIG. 12, the latch member 220 is at the right hand
extremity of the arcuate slot 275 in plate 264 and is at the left
hand extremity of the slot 270 in the plate 262. In other words,
the slots 275 and 270 overlap enought to provide a slot passageway
through both of them to receive the latch member 220 as shown in
FIG. 12. In the position of FIG. 12, latch member 220 is at the
center of the slot opening 222 in plate 144. From this position, it
can move to either end of the arcuate slot 222. As previously
described, if foot pedal 232 is pressed down, latch member 220 is
operated into the position of FIG. 9 so that the nose 221 goes
through the slot 145 in the plate 126, to restrain the rotor. Then
the operation is as follows. The momentum may cause the plate 126
which is now engaged with the nose 221 of the latch member 220 to
force it to the right as shown in FIG. 12 to the dotted line
position. The latch member 220 now forces the plate 264 to the
right until the pins 282 and 283 engage the left extremity of the
slots 271 and 272. This movement of plate 264 of course moves lug
274 to the right against the force of and compressing spring 291
which provides the necessary retarding and snubbing action to
resist the momentum of the rotor. At this time, the lug 268 on
plate 262 stays in position being unable to move to the right from
the position of FIG. 12 because pins 280 and 281 are at the left
extremity of slots 265 and 266. As previously explained, latch
member 220 is carried by plate 228 which is able to slide
arcuately, the arcuate slots 229 and 230 sliding on the pins 280
and 281.
From the foregoing, it can be observed that the mechanism for
latching the rotor and resiliently retarding it to overcome its
momentum and holding it in a latched position is simplified and
will stop the rotor in a predetermined position, with the latch
member in the position of FIG. 12. The parts are relative small
occupying only a minor part of the circumference of the rotor with
the operating mechanism being very sturdy and positive. Of couse,
if desired, the latch member 220 can be arranged to be operable
from either one side or both sides.
The foregoing disclosure is representative of a preferred form of
the invention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather
than a limiting sense, the invention to be accorded the full scope
of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *